Honey market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The honey market in Northern Africa experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market volume in physical terms declined from 28,885 t in 2018 to a low of 25,900 t in 2022, before recovering to 28,569 t in 2023. In value terms, the market contracted from $170.3 million in 2018 to $125.5 million in 2020, then rebounded to $140.9 million in 2021, dipped again to $132.6 million in 2022, and reached $139.7 million in 2023.

Several global factors influenced the honey sector during this period. Climate change and extreme weather events, such as droughts, affected honey production by impacting floral resources and bee foraging. Widespread challenges to bee health, including parasites like Varroa mites and exposure to pesticides, contributed to lower yields in some years. Concurrently, rising consumer demand for natural and organic sweeteners supported market value, particularly in 2021 and 2023, despite volume volatility. Competition from low-cost imports also shaped market dynamics, putting pressure on domestic producers.

In 2024, imports of honey into Northern Africa rose to 6,697 t, while exports fell to 1,025 t. The ongoing effects of climate variability and bee health issues continued to constrain production, while the global trend towards natural products sustained demand. The development of new product segments, such as flavored and organic honey, responded to evolving consumer preferences for healthier options.

Production honey in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Northern Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 23,094 tonnes of honey, which represents a 3.9% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 8.1%, averaging an annual increase of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 25,396 tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase of 18.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with production dropping by 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of honey production in Northern Africa fell in 2020. The output was valued at 94.0 million US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 25.2% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 125.6 million US dollars. The largest increase in value was recorded in 2018, with a rise of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports honey from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Northern Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 2,057 tonnes, showing a dramatic surge of 80.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 144.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Northern Africa's honey exports in volume terms were Saudi Arabia, accounting for 44.2% of exports, Indonesia with 7.5%, and Kuwait at 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 57.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Honey exports from Northern Africa have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 8,369 thousand US dollars, up by 40.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 124.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the three key markets for Northern Africa's honey exports in value terms were Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Kuwait. Combined, they absorbed 56.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports honey to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, honey imports into Northern Africa totaled 5,463 tonnes, reflecting a 29.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 63.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 8.3%, while the highest increase was in 2018, at 38.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, the top suppliers of honey to Northern Africa in volume terms were India, with 25.8% of imports, Spain at 20.1%, and Argentina with 14.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.2% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern Africa imported approximately 15,401 thousand US dollars worth of honey in 2020, indicating a sharp increase of 33.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 49.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 14.4%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of honey to Northern Africa in value terms were Spain, contributing 24.7% of imports, India at 18.0%, and Argentina with 12.2%. Collectively, these three suppliers made up 54.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020